When God Says …
“Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this. For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.” (John 12:7-8 KJV).
God's holy and written Word is clear: We are to help the poor, feed the hungry, and care for widows, orphans, and strangers among us (Matthew 6:1-4). But, we are always confronted with questions about: How and what we should specifically and graciously do to help those in need among us? What do we give as sacrifice offering to the Lord, generously and extravagantly? These are all important and honor God, coming from the heart, done for God's glory. So, let's not be critical of those who give extravagantly, like Mary, to honor and glorify the Lord.
God knows the hearts of the givers, and we need to rejoice in their generosity to honor Him. Even more, we all need to be generous with the Lord and those in need! After all, Jesus himself reminds us that how we use our blessings is important and that we are actually caring for Him when we care for those less fortunate! The Lord said: "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).
Well and good, but all those "good works" on display for people to see are considered filthy rags, apart from the Lord by faith in Christ Jesus (Isaiah 64:6). For it to be manifest in our lives, it must be done not by our self effort but by the faith of Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:9) from within, with the unction of the Holy Spirit who lives in us (Galatians 5:18). He now lives in us from the time we are born again by receiving the Lordship of the Lord Jesus Christ, as our gift by grace (John 16:13). Without God, scriptures declare: “for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13 ESV).
And I say, AMEN
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
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